Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Port Moresby (Agenzia Fides) - To help the Catholic community in Papua New Guinea in the effort to prevent and fight HIV/AIDS where the virus is a serious social scourge, Lismore diocese in Australia sent a Medical Mission to Port Moresby to share know how with regard to new methods , information programmes, awareness building initiatives as well as care and treatment for people suffering from HIV/AIDS .
The Australian delegation of doctors, nurses specialised in preventing AIDS and caring for those affected, will offer assistance at Catholic medical centres in the dioceses of Bereina and Port Moresby, where they will meet Sister Marlene, coordinator of Formation Programmes for assistance and treatment of AIDS at the diocesan level.
The initiative is encouraged by the Australian Bishops Commission for Justice and Peace which has urged Australian Catholics to put their talents, time and energy at the service of brothers and sisters in need, at home and abroad.
The Church in Papua New Guinea, in front line to care for people with AIDS, some years ago launched a vast “Born to Live” Campaign to prevent HIV/AIDS, focussing on specific training for Catholic and non Catholic healthcare workers. To effectively prevent AIDS from spreading and to lessen its impact the Catholic community works in various ways of: educate to fidelity in marriage; offer social assistance to those most at risk, prostitutes, street children, etc; help parents to be more responsible, to give their children advice with regard to human sexuality and the danger of AIDS; work with government and other organisations to stop discrimination towards people with AIDS. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/9/2007 righe 27 parole 277)
